THE STAR FLOWER. 221 



Then knelt she by that hallowed spot, 



And wept the live-long night away, 

 Until Heaven's sparkling crown grew dim 



And faded in the morning ray. 



When earth was wrapt in wintry shroud, 

 And leafless trees stood grim and gaunt, 



Like giant spectres set to guard 



The spot where grief had made her haunt, 



Still dwelt she in her forest lair, 



Which cowered beneath the branches low, 



And seemed amid those dreary wilds, 

 A speck upon the waste of snow. 



Thus came and went the changing times, 

 While still the maid her watch was keeping, 



Till grief its weary task had done, 

 And life was worn with frequent weeping. 



But in that season,* when the haze 



With purple light the distance fills, 

 As if old autumn in his flight, 



Had dropped his mantle on the hills ; 



When forest trees with regal pomp 



Their wealth of gem-like leaves display, 



And earth in gayest garb puts on 

 The glory that precedes decay ; 



*The Indian summer. 



